Spring ushers in new entertainment options in suburbs, city
Spring received its official kickoff Sunday. And while the weather can waver between cooperating with the calendar and blasting us back into winter, March is a great time to size up upcoming entertainment options in the suburbs and city.
Here are eight ways to make spring special:
<h3 class="briefHead">1. Get a jump on superhero season</h3>
The Caped Crusader - gasp! - going after the Man of Steel? Apparently so in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," DC Comics' answer to the Marvel group's clustered superhero adventures. It opens March 25 and stars Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill.
<h3 class="briefHead">2. Hop over to Lisle</h3>
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle leaps into spring with "Ribbit! The Exhibit," a whimsical collection of copper frog sculptures on display April 8 through Sept. 25. The frogs, by North Carolina-based artist J.A. Cobb, are 5 feet to 7 feet tall and scattered about the grounds. mortonarb.org.
<h3 class="briefHead">3. Be a theater pioneer</h3>
Most theater fans have seen their share of stage staples, but this spring, you can catch a number of world premieres in the city and suburbs. Silk Road Rising's world premiere "Mosque Alert," about three fictional families in Naperville reacting to a proposed Islamic Center, starts previews March 24 at The Historic Chicago Temple Building in Chicago (silkroadrising.org). Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, meanwhile, opens its season March 31 with "Hazel, A Musical Maid in America," based on the character from the comic strip and the 1960s TV sitcom (drurylaneoakbrook.com). And the pre-Broadway world premiere of "The SpongeBob Musical" starts June 7 at Chicago's Oriental Theatre (broadwayinchicago.com).
<h3 class="briefHead">4. Seek Skywalker</h3>
The highly anticipated blockbuster "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" raked in billions worldwide. You can help make its creators even richer when the film comes out on digital HD on April 1 and on DVD/Blu-ray April 5 with a full complement of features, including deleted scenes and a featurette on building BB-8.
<h3 class="briefHead">5. Rock out in Rosemont</h3>
Allstate Arena in Rosemont delivers a diverse pool of musical talent this spring, appealing to everyone from screaming teens to country fans. Among the upcoming acts are Justin Bieber April 22 and 23, Ellie Goulding May 6, Carrie Underwood May 17 and Janet Jackson June 4. rosemont.com/allstate.
<h3 class="briefHead">6. Catch a legend in his Ravinia debut</h3>
He's won multiple Grammys as both a solo act and as part of Simon & Garfunkel, but now you can see if legendary singer/songwriter Paul Simon is "Still Crazy After All These Years" when he tours to Ravinia Festival for the first time on June 18. Tickets go on sale at ravinia.org on April 26.
<h3 class="briefHead">7. Enjoy an early taste of festival season</h3>
Two Brothers Summer Festival has been around for awhile, but this year it moves to a much larger venue: RiverEdge Park in Aurora. The two-day music and beer fest, running June 3 and 4, will feature headliners Cold War Kids, Lord Huron, The Lone Bellow and PHOX. In addition, the event will mark the official release of Two Brothers Hop Centric Double IPA and Hop Centric Black. Plus, there's a Two Brothers beer tent showcasing guest brews from across the county. The event benefits Make-A-Wish Illinois and local charities. Get your tickets now for only $20 per day. twobrotherssummerfestival.com.
<h3 class="briefHead">8. Pay tribute to Pluto</h3>
A decade ago, Pluto was tossed off the list of planets. So, if it's not a planet, what is it? And why do we still care? Find out in the new Adler Planetarium Exhibit, "What is a Planet?" The exhibit opened this weekend and runs through Jan. 8 in Chicago. adlerplanetarium.org.